Country singer Alan Jackson once sang that the "whole world’s gone country," and lately, I'm inclined to agree. Urban cowboys and -girls are rounding up the best parts of what’s country and translating them for us city slickers.

Going out for a night in Tacoma? Pump up with Gretchen Wilson’s "Redneck Woman," and don’t forget your cowboy boots (they look hot with a skirt) or cowboy hat (if you can pull it off, it looks hot with just about anything).

Going through a breakup? Wallow in Keith Urban’s "You’ll Think of Me." I'm not sure if it’s the ride-me symbolism or the down-and-dirty Western appeal, but regardless, I'm saddling up. 

Don't know what to do before and after the Dixie Chicks concert Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome?  Kick up your lonely heels at the Official Kick Butt Dixie Chicks Post Concert Party at The Varsity Grill.  Hosted by Q-Country KNBQ 102.9 FM, the large downtown club will be packed with cowboys, cowgirls, The Busman and the Q-Girls.  Local rockin' country band Latigo Lace will keep it lively. 

Saddle up at The Varsity between 5-7 p.m., ride the Tacoma Link to the show, hitchhike back to The Varsity because the damn Link shuts down at 10 p.m., party at The Varsity beginning at 11 p.m., then ride ...   â€" Suzy Stump